OVO Energy Expert, Greig Millar, says: “As the planet heats up and summers are getting hotter, it’s getting harder to keep homes cool without relying on expensive, energy-intensive AC. But there are simple things that everyone can do to help beat the heat this summer without boosting bills.”

Keep your windows SHUT during the day

“As soon as temperatures start to rise, our first instinct is to open the window – but this is one of the worst things you can do. It may seem counterintuitive not to fling them open during a heatwave, but letting the hot air from outside into your home actually increases the overall temperature. Windows should always be kept closed during the day, with blinds or curtains shut to reduce the sunlight, and then opened in the evening. Temperatures fall at night, so opening a window in the evening will allow cool air to circulate around the house.” 

Create a cross-breeze through the house at night 

“When the temperature starts to drop in the evening, this is the perfect time to create a cross-breeze in your home. To achieve this, you need to make sure all internal doors in the house are fully propped open – and then open the windows on opposite walls or opposite sides of your house. This means nature can do its natural cooling job by allowing wind to pass directly through your home and promote airflow, giving your house a chance to cool down before temperatures start to climb up again during the day”. 

Avoid the kitchen!

“It might sound obvious, but using the oven or hob is going to heat up your kitchen, and could also warm nearby rooms. Try to reduce your cooking times in summer by batch cooking meals in cooler times of the day/week. Or consider using your microwave to heat meals in place of a conventional oven, as this can significantly reduce the temperature in your home.” 

Insulation actually helps cool your home in the summer

“As temperatures rise, relying on fans and air conditioners to keep your home cool can increase your bills. Instead, consider purchasing and using multifoil insulation to cool your home by placing it under your roof and around the windows. While many only consider insulation when it starts to get cold, it is just as effective for keeping your home cool, too.”

Be frugal with your fan 

“Electric fans can really help to cool your home and give you instant relief. But they can use a lot of energy, and don’t actually cool the air. Since heat rises, the coolest air in your house is going to be at floor level. So it makes sense to set your fan on the floor and point it upwards. Position it so it points outwards towards the opposite wall, with no large objects in the way. This trick bounces the cooler air back into the room, to cool the overall temperature. If you’ve got a timer on your fan, this is a good way to make sure it’s only switched on as much as it’s needed.”